2007 Cadillac Escalade

We Americans tend to travel with a lot of stuff, and Escalade bids to keep up, with a wide, dual compartment center console, map pockets, glove box, and a collection of cup holders and cubbyholes. For larger storage, the far back is increased by 6.5 cubic feet this year. If all three rows are required for people, the cargo hold measures 16.9 cu. ft. Capacity expands to 60.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 108.9 cubic feet when only front row passengers are aboard. Those who tow will want to know that Escalade is rated to pull a maximum of 7,700 lbs.

Power

New for 2007 is Escalade's engine. The all-aluminum, 6.2-liter small block V-8 makes a muscular 403 hp @ 5,700 rpm, and 417 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm (up 58 and 37, respectively, over last year's totals). It's linked to an also new, 6-speed automatic transmission. Smaller steps between gears smooth out the shift points and minimize hunting. Over the road, the Escalade's engine is a very silky proposition, propelling you effortlessly in any gear. It takes less than seven seconds to get from 0-60, which is flat-out hustling, for a 5,800 lb.-plus SUV. The combination of the motor's massive torque and the transmission's two overdrive gears allow engine respiration to be slowed to near comatose levels at highway speeds: 1,400 rpm @ 55 mph. That contributes to an increase in gas mileage of about 12 percent over last year's levels. Despite the gain, Escalade's EPA estimates are predictably painful—13 mpg city, 19 highway—though this may not be a major concern to Escalade's upscale clientele. Over 600 miles of mixed city/country driving, we logged 16 miles per gallon. The gas tank is large enough (26 gallons) for a comfortable cruising range between fill-ups.


Underpinning the fresh design is a stiffer box frame. Escalade is slightly longer this year (+3 inches) with a wider track as well. A new, coil-over-shock front suspension works with a revised 5-link rear setup to iron out bumps and maintain stability. Ride quality is suitably cushy without being flabby. Handling is good for the breed, and a host of electronics (stability control system with rollover mitigation, larger capacity four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS) are on board to assure safe passage. Escalade's All Wheel Drive system requires no intervention by the driver. While the Big Bling is far more likely to be used for all weather, as opposed to all terrain travel, it's perfectly capable of tackling light off-road duty.


Despite fossil fuel fluctuations, 50 percent of the luxury market remains SUVs. Now in its third generation, Escalade is still an enigmatic choice in that segment. While most large sport utes are growing smaller and more self conscious, Escalade remains itself: as confident and comfortable in its own sheetmetal as any vehicle on the road. (www.cadillac.com)